by Yogi Ananda Viraj (Eugene P. Kelly, Jr.)
The word tada means a blow, whipping, sound, nois, mountain. In the tadasana the word more than likely is used in the sense of “mountain,” as the form of the pose will make clear. This posture is the fundamental standing pose.
Instructions:
- Stand up straight feet together, hands at sides, palms on thighs.
- Flexing the thigh muscles, pull up the knees and contract the buttocks. Hold stomach in.
- Look straight ahead while maintaining equal distribution of weight on feet. Keep spine erect.
- Maintain position as long as is comfortable or desired.
Variations:
The basic variation is to raise the arms straight up over the head while maintaining proper posture and weight distribution.
Benefits:
The tadasana is a most effective diagnostic posture. Take note, while in the tadasana, of body balance: how difficult is it to maintain equal weight distribution? How difficult is it to keep the spine erect? The tadasana will clearly demonstrate the difference between poor posture and proper posture. Proper posture aids in digestion, respiration, and circulation. Poor posture can actually work to inhibit these vital body functions. The tadasana can guide you to better posture.
In addition to being a posture guide this asana will also make apparent improper weight distribution. This problem often leads to backaches, leg problems and foot problems. How much trouble do you have balancing your weight between toes and heels? Are you prone to put more weight on one or the other? Are you prone to put more weight on one leg? Again, the tadasana functions as a guide.
Not only is the tadasana a guide but it will also serve as step 1 in many of the standing positions you will learn.